Mobile irrigation sprinkler process and apparatuses therefor

ABSTRACT

A tow-type irrigation apparatus and process operating without anchors wherein the moving pipe train is automatically maintained in a straight line along one portion thereof and along another portion parallel thereto and longitudinally and laterally displaced therefrom while a third intermediate portion between is in a stable inverse curve form.

Ill 1 limited States Patent 1151 3,64, 162 Wagner 1 1 Feb. 8, W72

[54] MOBILE HRRHGATHON SPRINKLER 2,642,311 6/1953 Beyer ..239/1 PROCESS AND APPARATUSES 3,295,548 l/l967 Woods THEREFOR Primary ExammerM. Henson Wood, Jr. [72] Inventor: Milton H. Wagner, Rte. 1, Brownfield, Assistant Examinep-Thomas C. Culp, Jr.

Tex. 79316 Attorney-Ely Silverman [22] Filed: Jan. 21, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT [21 1 Appl' 4632 A tow-type irrigation apparatus and process operating without anchors wherein the moving pipe train is automatically main- [52] US. Cl ..239/11, 239/213 tained in a straight line along one portion thereof and along [51 1 Int. Cl another portion parallel thereto and longitudinally and {58] Field of Search ..239/1l, 212, 213; 137/344 laterally displaced therefrom while a third intermediate portion between is in a stable inverse curve form. [56] References Cited 5 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 738,271 9/1903 Astle ..239/213 X PAIENTEDFEB s 1912 SHEET 1 [1F 6 INVENTOR. M/LTON H. WAGNER ATTORNEY PATENTEDFEB 8 I972 SHEET 2 (IF 6 INVENTOR: MILTON H. WAGNER PATENTEDFEB 8 1972 SHEET 3 [IF 6 INVENTOR.

M/g TON H. WAGNER ATTORNEY PATENTEUFEB 81972 3,640,462

sum 3 nr 6 F/G. 6B

FIG. 7B

F/G9B 5O INVENTOR.

MILTON H. WAGNER ATTORNF'Y MOBILE IRRIGATION SPRINKLER PROCESS AND APPARATUSES THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. The Field of Art The field of art to which this invention pertains is a procedure for fluid sprinkling or spraying by maneuver and use of apparatus comprising a series of joined fluid conductors with appropriate spray outlet means and a vehicular-type support means secured thereto, the whole being such to conform to the contour of the terrain while being moved from area to area and while in spraying position.

2. Description of the Prior Art Rotary moving irrigation systems (as in US. Pat. Nos. 3,394,739 and 2,604,359) and travelling irrigation systems that move transversely of the length of the pipe (as in US. Pat. No. 3,245,595) apply traction to the wheels thereof that are located in and engage wet land and, in moving thereover, damage the crops therebelow. The transversely moving types also have difiiculty in maintaining alignment of the pipe in a straight line whereby to provide uniform distribution of irrigating water and the corrective action provided therein usually lags the obnoxious deviations. The circular travelling elements cover only about 11d2/4 of a square field of side of length d, hence cover only about 78.5 percent of the area with uniformity. Tow-type apparatuses as in US. Pat. No. 3,295,548 require anchors and the labor for such heavy work of placement is expensive, where available. This invention solves such problems by applying traction to dry land and avoiding damaging contact with row crops and does not require the placement and/or removal and/or movement of anchors while using a reliable yet inexpensive structure that utilizes the commonly available farm tractor and inter section service road, and permits compensation for short periods of varying wind velocity and direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A tractor is maneuvered to force a bend in a moving wheeled pipe train while cleats in the pipe train wheels bite into the ground along the area of its straight line movement and S-curved motion to hold the relative pipe position earlier impressed thereupon by movement of a tow tractor. In the continued phase of its operation the pipe train to a degree is treated as a nonrigid flexible element able to transmit force only parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof yet as the pipe is firmly clamped to some of each ofa series of wheel support brackets and the pipe train wheels located to allow free rotation of each wheel the curve earlier impressed on the curved segments of the pipe train is maintained while other portions of the train travel in laterally spaced-apart straight paths; on initiation of the pipe train curve the structural and operative distinctions between initial and later units and maneuver of the tractor unit establish such later maintained curved array.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of the wheeled pipe train assembly portion 24 of apparatus 21 during its operation in a stage of operation as shown in FIG. 11 along plane 1A1A.

FIGS. 2 and 3 diagrammatically show, in the overall, the position of apparatus 21 in the basic sequence of steps providing, on repetition, the full cycle of operation in field 90 shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows the relative position of parts of apparatus 21 in one set of two separate stages of one step of operation; FIG. 3 shows another, subsequent, set of stages in the subsequent step in the cycle of operation shown in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show, in the overall, the positions of another apparatus 27 in the basic sequence of steps providing, on repetition, the full cycle of operation shown in FIG. 14; FIG. 4 shows the relative position of parts of apparatus 21 in one set of two separate stages of one step of operation; FIG. 5 shows another, subsequent, set of stages in the subsequent step in the cycle of operation shown in FIG. 14. FIGS. 4 and 5 thus show the array of parts of the embodiment of apparatus 27 in positions corresponding to positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for embodiment 21.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top or plan view of the position of parts of apparatus 21 in zone 6A of FIG. 2.

Each of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 is a diagrammatic top view of the position of parts of apparatus 21 initially in zone 6A through 113 of FIG. 2; FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, I0 and 11 show, respectively, sequential positions in the process of movement of apparatus 21 from the position shown at position 110 of apparatus 21 in FIG. 2 to the position 111 of apparatus 21 in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 68, 7A, 8B, 8C and 9B are enlarged diagrammatic views in the zone 11B of FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 during motion of apparatus 21 form the position 110 thereof shown in FIG. 2 to the position 11] thereof shown in FIG. 2. Zone corresponding to 11B in FIG. 2 is shown as zone IIBB in FIG. 4. FIGS. 63, 7A, 7B, 8B and 9B are drawn to a larger scale than FIGS. 61l.

FIG. 6B diagrammatically illustrates geometric relations of direction of tractor path, direction of path of wheels of wheeled units 31 and 32 and shape of pipe portions 50 and SI in a position and stage of operation intermediate between those positions and stages shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to a scale larger than that of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 7A diagrammatically illustrates geometric relations of direction of tractor path, direction of path of wheels of wheeled units 31 and 32 and shape of pipe portions 50 and 51 in the stage shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7B diagrammatically illus trates geometric relations of direction of tractor path, direction of path of wheels of wheeled units 31 and 32 and shape of pipe portions 50, 51 and 52 in a stage intermediate between those stages shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 8B diagrammatically illustrates geometric relations of direction of tractor path, direction of wheels of wheeled units 31, 32 and 33, shape of pipe portions 50, 51, S2 and 53 in ,a stage intermediate between those stages shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 at the time of the initiation of an inverse curve in the pipe string 25.

FIG. 9B diagrammatically illustrates geometric relations of direction of tractor path, direction of path of wheels of wheeled units 31, 32 and 33 shape of pipe portions 50, 51, 52 and 53 in stage intermediate between those stages shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus 21 to show details in that portion of the apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a top oblique view of the unit 31, that unit being partly broken away to show some structural details thereof.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of the positions of the apparatus 21 on a field during the process of operation of such apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Generally, the apparatus 21 of this invention comprises, in operative combination, a tractor 22 and a wheeled pipe train assembly 24, the wheeled pipe train assembly 24 comprises a plurality of wheeled units 23 and a pipe string assembly 25. The group of wheeled units 23 comprises a leading end or front wheel unit 31 and a series of like trailing units as 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, 41, 42, 43 and a trailing end or rear unit as 44 like unit 31. The pipe string subassembly 25 comprises a series of like serially connected pipe units as 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62 and 63 between, respectively, units 31 and 32, units 32 and 33, 33 and 34, 34 and 35, 35 and 36, 36 and 37, 37 and 38, 38 and 39, 39 and 40, 40 and 41, 41 and 42, 42 and 43 and 43 and 44; and one end pipe unit 64 projecting rearwardly of the end unit 44; and another end pipe unit, 50, which extends forwardly of the front wheeled unit 31. Pipe unit 51 is located between wheel units 31 and 32 and is firmly connected to pipe unit 50 at its front and unit 52 at its rear and is attached at its front end to unit 31 and at its rear end to unit 32.

Each of the pipe units in the string are similarly serially connected to the serially adjacent pipe string unit and similarly attached to the wheel units adjacent the end thereof as is unit 51.

In the embodiment 21, the overall length from front end of pipe unit 50 to the rear end of pipe unit 64 is 1,300 feet. The pipe units, except front and rear ends are all of the same length, same outside and inside diameter, same wall thickness and same rigidity and flexibility and same material. The wheel units are only feet apart hence the number of wheel units is 44. The front pipe units 50 and 51 is one 50-foot length and the rear end unit 64 and its adjacent unit being 50 feet long: accordingly, the wheel units specifically referred to (32-43) and pipe units therebetween (51-63) are exemplary of such like wheel and pipe units and typical rather than being the complete list of such units. Nevertheless the description of the operation and structure of the units herein described is typical of the operation of all units of the apparatus 21.

Each wheeled unit of assembly 24 comprises a pair of ground-engaging wheels, a wheel-supported axle, a bracket supported on the axle and a clamp base supported on the bracket. Each consecutive portion of the pipe string is supported on the consecutive one in the series of such wheeled units.

Wheeled unit 31 comprises a vertically extending left wheel 101, and an identical right wheel 102; each wheel comprising a horizontally extendingjoumal as 134 and 134, the journals each rotatably supporting one end of a rigid horizontal axle 103.

Each of the wheels, as 102 (and 101 and 201 and 202 and 201' and 202) in assembly 24 is alike in size, shape and components and comprises a rigid wheel rim as 133, a plurality of spokes as 132 and a journal 134 operatively connected as in wheel 102 (corresponding parts are shown on wheel 101, correspondingly numbered with a as 134' Each axle as 103 supports a rigid horizontally extending bracket as 104 the bracket 104 has a U-shaped steel section. The axle 103 is firmly yet rotatably attached therein, journals 134 and 134 rotate separately about axle 103 laterally of the end of bracket 104. A rigid clamp base 105, formed of a rigid U-shaped steel channel, about 4 feet long in the particular embodiment 21 herein described, extends along the length of the pipe string, and is attached, as by a plurality of like clamps 106, 106' and 106" to the portions of the pipe string adjacent thereto and supports such pipe string portion.

In the first and last of the wheeled units, 31 and 44, of assembly 24 the base, as 105, is pivotally supported on the bracket 104 by a vertically extending cylindrical pivot pin 108 so that the bracket 104 and the wheel elements attached thereto may pivot about the vertical axis passing through the center of that pivot pin.

Each wheeled unit as 32 through 43 comprises a left wheel 201, a right wheel 202 (like 101 and 102 respectively, and each comprising ajournal as 234 and 234' (like 134 and 134) such journals rotatably supporting a horizontal axle 203 (like 103). The axle 203 supports a bracket 204 (like 104); the bracket 204 (like 104) is a U-shaped rigid steel section. The axle 203 is firmly yet rotatably attached therein. A clamp base 205 (like 105) is formed of a rigid U-shaped steel channel and is attached as by clamps 206, 206' and 206" (like 106, 106' and 106") to the portions of the pipe string adjacent thereto and support such pipe string portion.

Generally, in each of the trailing wheeled units 32 through 43 the base thereof as 205 is firmly fixed to and supported on the bracket thereof as 204 so that such bracket and the elements of such wheeled unit attached thereto may not pivot about a respectively), vertical axis passing through such base and such bracket. More particularly, in the trailing wheeled units as 32 through 43 the bracket element 2041 (referred to as 204' and 204 to indicate the corresponding like units in the assembly other then 32) are firmly attached as by welding to the clamp base of such unit, as 205 (and 205' and 205" respectively), so that no rotation occurs therebetween.

The portions of the pipe string each comprise a relatively flexible portion of pipe as 51 each provided with a connection joint between adjacent pipe elements 51 and 50 and connection joint between elements 52 and 53, a like joint element between pipe elements as 53 and 54 and joint element between elements as 54 and 55. Thejoint elements comprise a firmly connecting mechanical fitting and a seal. Each seal provides a watertight seal between adjacent lengths of pipe and is supported by and affixed to the joint, the joint and adjacent l to 2 feet of pipe is supported by and attached to and held in place relative to each other by the base as 105.

Each fitting as 78 is provided with a boss 75 in which is located a rigid standpipe 76 with a sprinkler head 77 thereabove. The head may provide for a rectangular distribution of water therefrom or a circular distribution of water with a radius of spray that slightly overlaps the area covered by spray from the sprinkler head on the adjacent wheeled unit.

Each of the wheels as 101, 102 and 201, 202 is fixed as to position along the length of its axle as 103 and 203 by collar rings as 136 (centrally) and 137 laterally shown on 103 which are held by locknuts to the axle, yet are movable along the axle. Thereby the position of each of the wheels as 101 and 102 is adjustable along its axle as 103 so that the wheels of assembly 24 move in the parallel furrows as and 96; accordingly, hillocks of earth as 97 and 97 forming the row crop seed bed between such furrows will be straddled by each wheeled unit travelling along the straight parallel and spaced apart paths as 125 and 126 to and from positions as 110, 111, 112, and 113.

A 30-foot pipe that bends 2% feet 1% feet from each end if supported at its center) develops a curve of pipe with a radius of about 90 feet and the line of travel 125 and 126 if about 40 feet apart requires no more than three stations to form an S- curve; a more gradual curve may be formed as shown in FIG. 1 but 40 feet from position to 112 is usual.

In the overall operation of apparatus 21 in a rectangular field as 90 having an area of one-fourth section, i.e., 2,640 feet long and 2,640 feet wide, (length shown as vertical and width as horizontal in the FIGS. 2 through 11 and 14) having a left side portion 91 and a right-hand portion 92 separated by a road 93 after operation as an irrigator, the apparatus 21 moves from the upper left position as shown as 110 in FIGS. 2, 11 and 14 to the position shown as 111 in FIGS. 2, 11 14, on the right-hand side of the road 93. By the repeated process of movement of portions of assembly 24 behind tractor 22 (a) in one straight line as 125 shown in FIG. 2 followed by (b) motion of sequential portions of apparatus 21 in an S-shaped or reversed curved path shown in FIGS. 6 through 11 and 68, 7A, 7B, 8B, and 93 at an angle to path 125 through the zone 11B, in the direction (shown in dotted line in FIGS. 14 and 2) followed by (c) motion of increasing sequential portions of apparatus 21 along another straight line of travel as 126 displaced from line then (d) continuing along that second line of travel (126) as the number of the wheel units slowly decrease on the left of the road and increases on the right-hand side of road 93. After all portions of the assembly 21 are thus brought to the position shown in position 111 with the tractor 22 at the right-hand side of assembly 24 as shown in FIG. 3, the tractor 22 is connected to the former rear end unit 64 of the assembly 24 as shown in FIG. 3, thereafter the pipe string 25 of the assembly 24 is then operatively connected to a waterline as 94 and thereafter the adjacent portion of field 90, i.e., the area as 99 is then irrigated. After irrigation of the area 99 by the passage of water through unit 24 is stopped the connection to pipe 94 is broken and tractor 22 draws unit 24 to the left. The front end of the pipe string portion 50 is finnly yet detachably attached to the hitch on the back of the tractor 22 during travel from position 110 to 111 when tractor 22 draws assembly 24 to position 111 and the rear end of pipe string portion 64 is firmly yet detachably attached to hitch 30 on the tractor 22 during travel from position 111 to position 112 where assembly 24 is there drawn by assembly 22.

The assembly 24 of wheeled unit and pipe string 25 is thus moved in a straight line along path 126 to the left-hand portion 91 of the field 90 to a position as 112 in field 90 through straight line path 116 (shown in dotted lines); the wheeled pipe unit assembly is again connected to an irrigation line, as 94 and water is passed through the pipe string and sprinklers as 77 to the area 98 adjacent the position 112 of the assembly 24. The irrigating operation of the assembly 24 for area 98 at position 112 is the same as at position 110 for area 98A. The amount of area irrigated at area 98A at position 110 is the same as the area irrigated at positions 98 and 99. The area 98 and 98A slightly overlap. Following such irrigation of area 98 the tractor 22, earlier moved to and connected to the pipe unit, as 50, to the right (as shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 11 and 14) draws assembly 24 (after disconnection from line 94') by the above-described straight and curved motions of apparatus 21 (referred to in some detail in regard to FIGS. 6-11) from the position 112 in FIG. 14 to that shown as position 113. Repetition of this process provides for a full coverage of field 90 with the apparatus 21 moving from position 113 to 114 as shown in FIG. 14 and then, as above described, to position 111A and then to position 112A and 113A and 114A as hereinabove described for the movement from one position 110 to position 111 and 112 until the entire rectangular field 90 is irrigated. The motion along (a) lines of travel indicated by dotted lines 115 between positions 110 and 111 and motion along lines of travel indicated as dotted line 116 between positions 111 and 112 herein described in some detail are the same as the motion along (b) lines of travel 117 between positions 112 and 113 and lines of travel 118 between positions 113 and 114 respectively.

The process of operation of the apparatus 24 of which the overall sequence of irrigating operation has been above described is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 through 11. In the operation of the steps shown in FIGS. 2 and 1 1 for movement from the position 110 to 111 the apparatus 21 is assembled as shown in FIGS. 2 and 14 and 6. With the unit 21 located at a position as 110 on the land portion 91 of the field 90 the tractor 22 draws unit 24 in a straight line 125 parallel to the axis of the pipe string 25 until the station 31 reaches a point adjacent to road 93 generally as shown in FIG. 6; tractor 22 is then turned to travel along a path with a direction of travel along a straight line, 127, which is at a large angle, i.e., 45, to the length of the pipe string 25 to the left (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) of station 31, and the line, 125, of motion of the wheeled units then to the left (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) of unit 32.

As shown in FIG. 13, in wheel unit 31 the bracket 104 is pivotally mounted on the clamp base 105, hence, & shown, the wheels 101 and 102 of the unit 31 travel in paths parallel to the line of stress 151 applied thereto and the bracket 104 of the wheeled unit 31 is supported on the wheels 101 and 102 in a line perpendicular to the planes of the wheels 101 and 102. The wheels as 101 and 102 thus travel by rolling along the direction of the chord 151 of each arc or curved segment of pipe as 50 between the pivotal support of the pipe string 25 on unit 31 and the tractor attachment to the front end of the pipe string 25. The pivotally mounted wheels 101 and 102 on the base 105 provide no interference with each increment of curvature applied to the bendable pipe string by the tractor motion. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 6, 6B, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, and 8B which illustrate the progressive stages of curvature of the pipe string 25 the bracket 104 of the unit 31 remains perpendicular to the line of stress applied to the front portion of the pipe string by the tractor 22 rather than having the direction of that bracket determined by the shape of the portion of the pipe string to which the station 31 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 6, 68, 7A, 7B and 8 on increasing clockwise curvature of the pipe string by the tractor 22 in its travel along path 127 a clockwise (as seen from above) curvature is impressed upon the front portion of the pipe string as desired between two lines of travel 125 and 126 across the zone 111B traversing the road as 93 between positions 110 and 111.

In the wheeled units as 3243 wherein the brackets as 204 are mounted firmly to the base as 205 to which the pipe string is attached and the bracket is fixed perpendicularly to the short segment of pipe to which such base is attached and the wheels as 201 and 202 of such unit (32 through 43) roll in paths (shown as 153, 153, 153 in FIGS. 7A. 7B, and 9B) tangent (at their center) to the axis of the portion or increment of curved pipe to which such bracket as 2041 is attached; the cleated wheels of such units as 32-43 do not permit motion of that increment of pipe transversely to the length of axle of such wheel unit as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8B and 98 (while such motion is permitted in a unit as 31 wherein the bracket 10 1 assumes a position other than perpendicular to the length of the segment of pipe string to which attached. Ac cordingly, the first unit 31 (and the last unit 64 when the motion is reversed as shown in FIG. 3) moves along the direction of the chord of the curvature applied to the pipe string portion 50 of the pipe string 25 between the wheel unit 31 and the tractor 22. Such chordal direction is shown as 151 in FIG. 6B, 152 in FIG. 7A, 154 in FIG. 7B, 165 in FIG. 8B and 158 in 1 16.813.

As shown in FIGS. 8B, 9 and 98, on increasing counterclockwise curvature of the pipe string 25 by the tractor 22 on its travel along path 126 a counterclockwise (as seen from above) curvature is impressed upon the front portion of the pipe string 25 as desired between the lines of travel 125 and 126 across the zone 11B of the road as 93 between portions and 111 and an ogee or reversed curvature of the pipe string 25 develops between lines of travel and 126 as at 115.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9B the chord of the curvature applied to the portion 50 of the pipe string 25 between the wheel unit 31 and the tractor 22 becomes asymptotic to line 126 as tractor 22 moves along the line of position 111.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 6B, 7, 7A, 7B and 8, no bend in the pipe portion 51 occurs until, as shown in FIG. 6B, after that pipe unit portion has been moved to a position rightward (forward) of that at which the wheel unit 31 was initially located at the position shown as 110. Similarly, pipe section 52 suffers no bend until after it has been moved forward, (right as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) of the position formerly occupied by wheeled unit 31, that is, until wheeled unit 33 is in the position formerly occupied by wheeled unit 31 at position 110. After wheeled unit 31 has moved about one-half of the longitudinal distance which it travels before (as shown in FIG. 8B travelling in the path 126 and after another unit 32 has also been displaced to one side (to the bottom of the sheet as shown in FIG. 9) as well as forwardly (to the right as shown in FIG. 9) as well as forwardly (to the right as shown in FIG. 9) the tractor 22 changes the direction of its path and turns to its left (rightwards as shown in FIGS. 8-11) and causes the pipe portions 50 and 51 to reverse the direction of clockwise curvature which had previously been impressed thereupon.

After the tractor 22 has reached the intended line of further travel 126 as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 the wheeled units immediately therebehind (as 31 and 32) are then drawn along to and in the straight line path 126 behind the tractor. The continued forward (to the right as shown in FIGS. 9B and 11) motion of the tractor 22 also applies tension along the pipe string 25 and causes the pipe sections 52 and 53 to then assume a curved relationship relative to the other sections of pipe as 54 and 55 (similar to that earlier in portions 52 and 53 relative to 54 and 55) while concurrently the tractor 22 travels along a straight line of travel 126 which is displaced laterally and longitudinally from the line of travel 125 of the portion of the pipe string 25 that is then located leftward (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) of the S-shaped portion and such continued movement of the tractor 22 along the line of travel 126 results in movement of all of portions of the pipe string 25 in a straight line behind the tractor 22 to position 111.

After the ogee curve is established, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the wheeled units as 33 preserve the ogee curve thus formed in the pipe string 25 while the tractor 22 moves to the right as in FIGS. 10 and 11 as the cleats as 109 of the wheels firmly grip the earth and serve to restrain the pipe to which such units are attached from motion parallel to the axles as 203 (or transverse to the length of pipe) at each of the plurality of points spaced apart along the length of the moving pipe at which such stations are attached; these points of attachment with the pipe move with each portion of the pipe arrayed in the shape of a curve in a line tangent to that curve without further action of the operator to maintain such array.

In summary, this invention provides as above described in some detail a process of irrigating a rectangular field 90 hav ing two opposing longitudinally spaced-apart sides 88 and 88' and two laterally spaced apart ends 89 and 89 and a water well 140 operatively connected to irrigating pipelines as 94 and 94 and 94" along the edge of the area irrigated. The lines 94 and 94 could be along the road 93. The process includes a series of repeated sprinkling maneuvers: the maneuver has two basic steps, one a motion to one side along the axis or direction of the pipe string 25 of the apparatus 24, and a return step. in the first step there is a drawing from one end thereof (the end at which the pipe string portion 50 is located) each of the series of portions of the serially connected pipe string 25 from a first position 110 at one side 91 of the field 90; the pipe portions as 31 and 44 extend longitudinally in said first position from a first point, the end of 64, at the one side 91 of the field 90 to a second point where the end of unit 50 is located near the middle of the field, In the first position 110 all of the series of pipe portions are in a straight line. The pipe string is moved along the direction of the length of the first straight line position 110 from the first point thereof as end of unit 64 to the second point, unit 31 position, past said second point to a second position 111 wherein such pipe portion extends longitudinally from a third point (left end of position 111) the position of the end station, as 44, of train 24, which position is near to the road 93 which runs along the middle of field 90, to a fourth point, the position of unit 31 in position 111 near the other side (88) of the field. In the second position the series of pipe string portions 25 are arrayed in a second straight line 111 parallel to the line of string 25 in position 110 and the third point is located laterally of and longitudinally beyond the second point; water is then passed from the well, as 140, and irrigation main lines as 94 and 94 through the pipe string and each of the nozzles as 77 on each station as 31 through 44 while the pipe string is in position 111 to the portion, as 99 of the field 90 adjacent to the assembly 24.

Thereafter the tractor 22 is moved to connect to and draw on pipe unit 64 and the pipe string 25 is drawn from the end 64 (opposite to unit 31) from position 111 along the direction of length of the second straight line (126) along position 111 to a third position 112 on side 91 of the field 90 whereat assembly 25 extends again in a (third) straight line from a point near the middle of the field to a point near the side 88 of the field 90 parallel to its earlier position 110 but displaced towards the end 89' of the field 90 a distance that provides for a reliable yet small overlap in the area covered by the sprinkling action of the nozzles as 77 on the pipe string 25 at positions 110 and 1 1 2.

Water from the well and line as 94 is then passed through pipe string 25 and its nozzles as 77 to the adjacent portion 98 of the field while pipe string is in position 112.

The process of moving to side 92 to position 113 duplicates the above-described movement from position 110 to position 111 and sprinkling is performed at positions 113, with position 113 displaced towards the end 89 of the field 90 a distance that provides for a reliable yet small overlap in the area covered by the sprinkling action of the nozzles as 77 in the pipe string 25 at positions 111 and 113.

The process of this invention particularly provides that the drawing from position 110 to position 111 includes the steps of:

l. moving the series of portions of pipe string along the length of position 110 in a straight line while supporting the portions of pipe as 51-63 at each of a plurality of stations 31-43 above the ground at the stations spaced apart along the length of pipe string 25 while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at each of the points of support on the station 31-43;

2. moving the series of portions of pipe string 25 between the position of end station 31 in position and the position of the end station 44 in position 111 in a curved path, 115, tangent at one, beginning, end to the line of pipe string 25 in position 110 and the other, finish, end of the curved path 115 is longitudinally displaced from the first, beginning, end thereof and is tangent to the straight line path 126 at position 1 1 1.

The curved path is continuous between its beginning and end. The moving of the series of pipe string portions over the curved path 115 is accomplished while supporting the portions of curved pipe string at each of the stations while those stations move with the pipe; movement of the intermediate pipe portions 51-63 along path 115 is in the direction of the tangent to the curved pipe portion supported at the station while the station wheels restrain the pipe from motion transverse to the length of the pipe at each of the station although the stations move with the pipe along paths 125, 116 and 126. Movement of the series of portions of pipe string 25 from the left (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 11) to the right-hand portion (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 11) of position 111 is performed while supporting the portions of pipe at each intermediate station as 31-43 where again the connection of ground wheels, brackets and axles restrains each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at such stations notwithstanding the stress along the length of pipe string 25 along curve 115. The above process is then applied to an adjacent field as 90' as shown in FlG. 14 after field 90 is traversed as above described.

The process is characterized by that on initial motion of said pipe string 25 along path 115 one end of the pipe string is drawn along a path 127 at an angle (of about 45) to the first straight line of path and the pipe string 25 is curved between station 31, (the first point at which the pipe is supported behind its drawn end 50) and the front of drawn end 50. The pipe at station 31, (the first point at which the pipe 25 is supported behind the front drawn end of pipe 50) moves along the chords as 151, 152, 154, 156 or 158 of the curve of such curved pipe portion 50 which action serves to establish the S-curve between lines 125 and 126. However, the pipe is also curved between its point of support as station 31, (the first point at which the pipe is supported behind the first drawn end of pipe 50) and second support point at station 32 yet the pipe at station 32, as well as 33 and subsequent station, to 43 at each of such following or intermediate stations the support points move along the tangent 153, 153' and 153" of the curve of such curved pipe portions while and 130' show line of travel of unit 32 along path 115 and so maintains the S-curve and permits a tensile force along line 126 to move the stations in assembly 25 in a straight line parallel to yet displaced from line 126.

The process of this invention also includes that process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 wherein a first tractive drawing means, tractor 22, is attached to the end of the pipe string at which front end of pipe 50 is located in the position 110 and it (22) draws the pipe string 25 from position 110 to position 111, and another tractive drawing means, tractor 28, attaches to the end of the pipe string at which pipe unit 64 is; tractor 28, so located, is drawn by the pipe string and tractor 22 from the left end (as shown in FIG. 4) of position 110 to the left end of second position 111 while the pipe string moves from position 110 to position 111 and tractor 28 draws the pipe string 25 from the left end (as in FIG. 5) on the position 111 to the left end of the position 112 while the tractor 22 is drawn from the right end (as in FIGS. 5 and 3) of position 111 to the right end (as shown in FlG. S) of the third position 112 thereby.

The process also includes that the motion of the tractors 22 and 28 be controlled automatically by a programmed series of commands applied to such tractors and initiated and terminated by remote command, as by radio control by conventional means therefor. Such remote control means on the tractive means to initiate and terminate the action thereof and operatively connected thereto would be a stop, start, left and right turn and control as provided by Radio Control HandbkMcEntee H.G.; Gernsback Library, lnc. l96l pages 285-296 (radio-controlled tractor) with the radio-controlled motor controlling the throttle for a gasoline diesel engine for tractor 22 and a like control for tractor 28.

In a particular embodiment of apparatus 21 as above described the pipe 25 is formed of 4-inch 01D. thin-walled, i.e., gauge, steel or aluminum metal pipe that bends freely about 3 feet in a 30-foot length. While the spacing between lines of travel 126 and 125 is a matter of choice dependent upon the water pressure and distance of spray from nozzle as 77 with 30 feet between stations as 32 and 33 there is usually a 30- to 45-foot distance referred between closest position of position 110 and 111 but 60 feet is usual with 45 feet between neighboring positions as 111 and 112. While the distance, as above described, between wheels as 101 and 102 is adjustable, as 32 inches to 40 inches between rows is usual such is also the usual distance between the wheels as 201 and 202 of one unit to avoid damage to such row crops, the height of the wheels as 101,201, 102 and 202 is usually 30 inches, but could be made larger if desired, also the length of the unit 21 is usually 1,325 feet.

As the wind frequently changes in the time required for gradual sprinkling to be accomplished over such large areas as treated by the apparatus as 21 (and 27) the adaptability of the above-described process using the apparatus 21 or 27 to vary the distance between positions that are spaced apart yet parallel as 110 and 112 and between positions as 111 and 113 permits that such distance between successive parallel positions compensates for the effect of varying wind velocity and direction on the ground location of the sprays of water from the nozzles as 77 to the field adjacent the pipe string. The location of position as 113 to another as 111 is readily controlled by the operator in manipulation of the apparatus 21 as the relations shown from movement from position 110 to 111 may be used in moving from position 111 to position 112 along a curved path as 115 as well as along the straight path 116 between such positions as 111 and 112. Such ready control of relative irrigating position provides for even distribution of water by positioning the apparatus so as to avoid exces sive overlap of irrigated areas and to avoid failure to cover neighboring boring areas to be irrigated.

lclaim:

1. Process of irrigating a rectangular field having two opposing longitudinally spaced-apart sides and two laterally spacedapart ends comprising steps of:

a. drawing from one end thereof a series of portions of serially connected pipe string from a first position at one side of said field, said pipe portions extending longitudinally in said first position from a first point at one side of the field to a second point near the middle of the field, and in which first position each of said series of said portions are in a first straight line, along the direction of the length of said first straight line from the first point thereof to the second point past said second point to a second position wherein such pipe portion extends longitudinally from a third point near the middle of said field to a fourth point near the other side of the field, and in which second position said series of pipe string portions are in a second straight line parallel to said first position and said third point being located laterally of and longitudinally beyond said second point, passing water through said pipe portions and to said field while said pipe is in said second position, and thereafter b. drawing said series of portions of serially connected pipe string from the other end opposite to said one end thereof from said second position along the direction of length of said second straight line from said fourth point toward said third point of said second straight line, to a third position on said first side of the field extending in a third straight line from a fifth point near the middle of the field to a sixth point near the said one side of the field, and in which third position said series of pipe string portions are in a third straight line parallel to said first and second positions and laterally displaced from said first position, and passing water through said pipe portions and to said field while said pipe is in said second position, and

c. wherein said drawing from said first position to said second position past said second point includes:

1. moving said series of portions of pipe string from between said first point and said second point while supporting said portions of pipe at each of a plurality of points above the ground spaced apart along the length of said pipe string and while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at said points of support, and

2. moving said series of portions of pipe string between said second point of said first position and said third point of said second position in a curved path tangent at one end to said first straight line at said second point and the other end of the curved path being longitudinally displaced from the first end thereof and being tangent to said second straight line at said third point, said curved path being continuous between said second and said third points, and moving said series of pipe string portions over said curved path while supporting said portions of curved pipe string at each of a plurality of points spaced apart along the length of said curved pipe string and moving therewith, and moving each said pipe portion in a direction of the tangent to said curved pipe portion while restraining the pipe from motion transverse to the length of the pipe at each of said plurality of points spaced apart along the moving pipe and moving with the pipe, and

3. moving said series of portions of pipe string from between said third point and said fourth point towards said fourth point of said second straight line while supporting said portions of pipe at each of a plurality of points above the ground spaced apart along the length of said pipe string while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at said points of support.

. Process as in claim 1 wherein:

a. on initial motion of said pipe string from said second point to said third point, one end of the pipe string is drawn at an angle to the first straight line and the pipe is curved between the first point at which the pipe is supported behind said drawn end and said drawn end, and the first point at which the pipe is supported behind said drawn end moves along the chord of the curve of such curved pipe portion and,

b. the pipe is also curved between:

i. said first point at which said pipe is supported behind said drawn end and ii. a second support point behind said first point at which said pipe is supported behind said drawn end and said second support point moves along the tangent of the curve of such curved pipe portion.

3. Process as in claim ll wherein:

a. a tractive drawing means is attached to the end of the pipe string located at the second point on the first straight line in said first position and draws the pipe string from said first position to said second position while moving from said second point on the first straight line to the fourth point on the second straight line at the second position, and

b. then separates from the pipe string at said second position and moves to the third point and draws said string to the third position.

4. Process as in claim 2 wherein a first tractive drawing means attached to the end of the pipe train located at the second point on the first straight line in said first position draws the pipe string from said first position to said second position while moving from said second point on the first straight line to the fourth point on the second straight line, and another tractive drawing means attached to the end of the pipe string located at the first point on the first straight line in said first position is drawn by the pipe string and said first tractive drawing means from the first point of said first position to the third point of said second position while said pipe string moves from said first position to said second position, and said another tractive drawing means draws the pipe string from the 

1. Process of irrigating a rectangular field having two opposing longitudinally spaced-apart sides and two laterally spaced-apart ends comprising steps of: a. drawing from one end thereof a series of portions of serially connected pipe string from a first position at one side of said field, said pipe portions extending longitudinally in said first position from a first point at one side of the field to a second point near the middle of the field, and in which first position each of said series of said portions are in a first straight line, along the direction of the length of said first straight line from the first point thereof to the second point past said second point to a second position wherein such pipe portion extends longitudinally from a third point near the middle of said field to a fourth point near the other side of the field, and in which second position said series of pipe string portions are in a second straight line parallel to said first position and said third point being located laterally of and longitudinally beyond said second point, passing water through said pipe portions and to said field while said pipe is in said second position, and thereafter b. drawing said series of portions of serially connected pipe string from the other end opposite to said one end thereof from said second position along the direction of length of said second straight line from said fourth point toward said third point of said second straight line, to a third position on said first side of the field extending in a third straight line from a fifth point near the middle of the field to a sixth point near the said one side of the field, and in which third position said series of pipe string portions are in a third straight line parallel to said first and second positions and laterally displaced from said first position, and passing water through said pipe portions and to said field while said pipe is in said second position, and c. wherein said drawing from said first position to said second position past said second point includes:
 1. moving said series of portions of pipe string from between said first point and said second point while supporting said portions of pipe at each of a plurality of points above the ground spaced apart along the length of said pipe string and while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at said points of support, and
 2. moving said series of portions of pipe string between said second point of said first position and said third point of said second position in a curved path tangent at one end to said first straight line at said second point and the other end of the curved path being longitudinally displaced from the first end thereof and being tangent to said second straight line at said third point, said curved path being continuous between said second and said third points, and moving said series of pipe string portions over said curved path while supporting said portions of curved pipe string at each of a plurality of points spaced apart along the length of said curved pipe string and moving therewith, and moving each said pipe portion in a direction of the tangent to said curved pipe portion while restraining the pipe from motion transverse to the length of the pipe at each of said plurality of points spaced apart along the moving pipe and moving with the pipe, and
 3. moving said series of portions of pipe string from between said third point and said fourth point towards said fourth point of said second straight line while supporting said portions of pipe at each of a plurality of points above the ground spaced apart along the length of said pipe string while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at said points of support.
 2. moving said series of portions of pipe string between said second point of said first position and said third point of said second position in a curved path tangent at one end to said first straight line at said second point and the other end of the curved path being longitudinally displaced from the first end thereof and being tangent to said second straight line at said third point, said curved path being continuous between said second and said third points, and moving said series of pipe string portions over said curved path while supporting said portions of curved pipe string at each of a plurality of points spaced apart along the length of said curved pipe string and moving therewith, and moving each said pipe portion in a direction of the tangent to said curved pipe portion while restraining the pipe from motion transverse to the length of the pipe at each of said plurality of points spaced apart along the moving pipe and moving with the pipe, and
 2. Process as in claim 1 wherein: a. on initial motion of said pipe string from said second point to said third point, one end of the pipe string is drawn at an angle to the first straight line and the pipe is curved between the first point at which the pipe is supported behind said drawn end and said drawn end, and the first point at which the pipe is supported behind said drawn end moves along the chord of the curve of such curved pipe portion and, b. the pipe is also curved between: i. said first point at which said pipe is supported behind said drawn end and ii. a second support point behind said first point at which said pipe is supported behind said drawn end and said second support point moves along the tangent of the curve of such curved pipe portion.
 3. Process as in claim 1 wherein: a. a tractive drawing means is attached to the end of the pipe string located at the second point on the first straight line in said first position and draws the pipe string from said first position to said second position while moving from said second point on the first straight line to the fourth point on the second straight line at the second position, and b. then separates from the pipe string at said second position and moves to the third point and draws said string to the third position.
 3. moving said series of portions of pipe string from between said third point and said fourth point towards said fourth point of said second straight line while supporting said portions of pipe at each of a plurality of points above the ground spaced apart along the length of said pipe string while restraining each of said pipe string portions from movement transverse to its length at said points of support.
 4. Process as in claim 2 wherein a first tractive drawing means attached to the end of the pipe train located at the second point on the first straight line in said first position draws the pipe string from said first position to said second position while moving from said second point on the first straight line to the fourth point on the second straight line, and another tractive drawing means attached to the end of the pipe string located at the first point on the first straight line in said first position is drawn by the pipe string and said first tractive drawing means from the first point of said first position to the third point of said second position while said pipe string moves from said first position to said second position, and said another tractive drawing means draws the pipe string from the third point on the second position to the fifth point of the third position while the first tractive Drawing means is drawn from the fourth point on the second straight line of said second position to said sixth point on said third straight line in said third position.
 5. Process as in claim 4 wherein the motion of the tractive means is controlled automatically by a programmed series of commands applied to said tractive means and initiated and terminated by remote command. 